NHS staff who were suspended after the death of a mental health patient 19 months ago are to return to work.

Michael Campion, 49, from the East Rudham area, died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on October 4 after being transferred from Hellesdon Hospital three days earlier, following what police officers described a 'medical emergency' .

At the second pre-inquest hearing yesterday, Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that four members of staff, suspended during the investigation into Mr Campion's death, were due to go back to work or had already returned.

Stephen King, lawyer for the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said the disciplinary process was now complete and they would now face conditions around re-training.

'The four staff that were affected are expected to be back at work, or they may well be back at work now,' he said, and added that one of the three staff members appealed the tribunal outcome, while three did not.

A spokesman for Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust declined to comment further.

As previously reported, a post mortem examination by Home Office pathologist Dr Nat Carey took place, but the cause of death was recorded as unascertained, pending further tests.

Norfolk police said at the time that there had been an 'allegation' around the care Mr Campion received before he was taken to the Norwich hospital. They interviewed three people under caution.

The full inquest is expected to start in June in front of a jury.